Hookena assaults (update) 03-09-07

MEDIA RELEASE (UPDATE)

Big Island police arrested five Kona men this week for assaults on campers in January.

On January 27, Kona patrol officers responded to a call by people who reported that they had been assaulted by several unknown men while camping at Hookena Beach Park. Some of the victims were treated for their injuries at Kona Community Hospital and then released.

Officers from the Kona Crime Reduction Unit continued the investigation. It revealed that several men who had been attending a function held in a pavilion at the beach park earlier that day confronted and assaulted campers at two separate campsites. The investigation included surveillance at Hookena Beach using both uniformed and plain-clothed officers.

The suspects were released pending further investigation of possible assault and terroristic threatening charges. The Kona Crime Reduction Unit is continuing the investigation.

Police ask anyone with information about the assaults to call Detective Gerald Wike at 326-4646, extension 278, or the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo.